Benzo Stories: Brittney

[@BzInfoCoalition]

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[@szwedzkiPL]

There is positively nothing that can be comaped to the sheer horror of benzo withdrawal...

[@kencabeen7786]

Thank you, Brittney. The most evil drug ever invented, by a long shot. Benzo withdrawal makes quitting heroin, fentanyl, and the rest look like a walk in the park on a gorgeous summer day. It's the most horrifying experience one can endure, and I see why so many people choose to just stay on them indefinitely. My heart goes out to all who are courageously battling this monster. Just remember, it will get better, but the only way out is through. God Bless you all.

[@louisscd]

I needed to read this reminder, 3 years in and I'm sure I'm dying, I have to keep telling myself it's the benzo's, it has destroyed my life, my business, my relationship with my children, I'm fighting now on the last 1 mg of valium every other day, in massive withdrawal again, 3rd time trying to quit, I'm down from 20 to 40 mg a day to this, please pray for me and I'll pray for us all. Thank you for anyone who's listened feel very alone in this fight.

[@kencabeen7786]

@@louisscd You’re in my thoughts and prayers, Louis.

[@amberwegmuller1686]

Benzodiazepines should definitely be banned!!!!! I agree, I also would never would have taken these as well! Three years of polypharmacy and Dr. kept upping doses and adding other benzos...

[@rudyferrell]

It's not withdrawal, it's brain damaged, along with a lot of other damage.

[@jcruz3114]

That's a lie!! Fentanyl withdrawal is horrible an I've been on both Xanax an fentanyl so don't start spreading misinformation!

[@meeklion5096]

@Brittney and all: Try taking probiotics or make your home milk kefir (use goat milk) to heal your gut. The connection between your gut and brain is what's causing the benzo withdrawal and the earlier you treat your gut linings, ridding it of bad bacteria that have colonised it, the better. People are different but I have already started getting a good result with milk kefir. Do your research. Eat your meals in bits to avoid bloating and nausea. Pray also. Wishing all a big comeback to sound health this Christmas or beyond.

[@debra9040]

Thank you for speaking out. I’m in protracted wd and fighting for my life ❤

[@Bimfelix]

👍

[@debra9040]

@@Fireball1974 20 months. After 2.5 yr taper. Things were improving., but far from healed. Then covid hit Nov 1. Back to beginning of hell

[@debra9040]

@@Fireball1974 I’m still tapering lexapro. So slowly. I have .70 ml left. All began with a “ benign” sleeping pill, lunesta. Last 8 yrs destroyed as I was in tolerance wd before C/O to Valium. How are you doing Rafi?

[@debra9040]

And I will never take another drug!!

[@debra9040]

@@Fireball1974 How long ago? Are you stilled drugged Yes. The drs threw all kinds of drugs at me I took against my better judgement. But was so sick and desperate

[@dustygatrell-ru7tg]

I was on klonooin fir 9 yesrs. Got tapered off in 2 weeks while in jail. What tsrrible nightmare this is. I cant imagine 20 yesrs. Im only 26 years old. Thats almost my whole span. Your not even supposed to b prescribed them fir more then 2 to 4 weeks! Wow. I am sincerely sorry you have to go threw this. Prayers for you mam.

[@music55ism]

The stupid doctors stopped my Lorazepam cold turkey and nearly killed me. I was told I can’t sue by an attorney but I sure wish an attorney would help me. I’m furious over this malpractice.

[@ellaMel4632]

How long and what dose were you on ? I reached tolerance I think and have WD and worried what could happen, what life threatening symptoms since I’m not increasing the dose

[@incognito595]

OMG YOU ARE RIGHT. SUE THEM ALL. THEY HAVE HAD 60 YEARS TO LISTEN TO US ABOUT THE SHEER, UNFATHOMABLE HORROR OF THOSE DRUGS. IT WAS HORROR ENOUGH, THEN I TRIED TAKING SOME ASPIRIN, AND I WAS PLUNGED INTO THE DEPTHS OF HELL ON EARTH, AS IF IT WASN'T HORROR ENOUGH BEFORE THAT. I NEVER KNEW SUCH SUFFERING EXISTED ON THIS EARTH..I HAVEN'T TAKEN THAT POISON FOR TWO AND A HALF YEARS!!

[@beckynicol195]

This is so true for a percentage of us that were put on a benzo. I was on them 12+ years and weaned off in 2 weeks and only taking a .05 x2 kolopin the whole time. A year & 1/2 of hell is what it took me to finally get back to almost my pre benzo self. No Dr's believed you when trying to get help. Our only help was a few support groups of others that were going through the same thing. Glad they are finally realizing this is a real thing for some of us, so others aren't alone and can find more support then we did. ♥️

[@brettwilson7680]

Had a similar thing happen to me 6 months ago. it was 3 months of the most intense torture one could imagine. Mental and physical torture to the highest degree possible. These doctors need to be punished.

[@rudyferrell]

They'll never be punishment because it will make big pharma liable.

[@MarkTraynor-mw6om]

You got off easy. I have been tortured for over 4 years now, with no end in sight.

[@rudyferrell]

@MarkTraynor-mw6om hey man you might want to look into benfotiamine and ttfd. Lithium orotate might help too. You have brain and nervous system damage.

[@MarkTraynor-mw6om]

@@rudyferrell I'm not familiar with those. Are they known to help symptoms og protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal?

[@rudyferrell]

@@MarkTraynor-mw6om yes, research it.

[@thek-man5079]

Stay strong. Do not give up. two week taper... OMG. I have no words to describe my disgust with that situation. You are amazing. Just keep moving forward, and remember that even on the days when you feel you have gone backwards, that is all part of the process. YOU are getting better. God bless.

[@americanpatriot2568]

Sorry to hear about your pain. I understand first hand. There needs to be a civil lawsuit against manufactors and doctors-PA.

[@patrickhyatt172]

This exact story is why I have 2 years worth of Ativan stocked up, on case my Dr passed away or something happens I can at least try to taper myself off them,.I am dead serious when I say I have 2 years worth stocked up and I rotate them each month by taking the oldest bottle

[@incognito595]

We totally believe you. It's the kindling that is the worst depths of hell. Of course, I had NO IDEA OF THIS PHENOMENON BEFORE THIS NIGHTMARE.

[@patrickcoyne7728]

When I was in terror from benzo issues a PA at the ER told me to quit and take an antihistamine instead. She said even if I was throwing up to not take the benzo. Instead I’ve done a controlled taper over 9 months with 30% to go and I’ve been able to live my life despite the pain and suffering.

[@johnblood10]

Oh lord, I can’t even begin to fathom the intensity of the akathisia that antihistamines would cause during benzo withdrawal. Literally had a shiver run through me while trying to imagine it. For her to even suggest that is dangerously ignorant at best, & negligent or even sadistic at worst. Mad respect for deciding to take action to be your own advocate & I wish you the very best!

[@gamingwithkev8208]

Two weeks? Omg! What is going on? When are doctors going to get real? I'm so sorry you've been through this pain.

[@tinastanley4444]

My friend ❤ I too was prescribed klonipin for Decades. Like you said I wish I never took the poison. Would give anything to have panic attacks without klonipin. Agony doesn't even come close to the hell we are going through 😢 I'm 45 days cut off cold turkey. Pure torture. I love you and understand the dread as you do... NAMASTE. ❤❤❤ the God in me loves the God in you. Ty for sharing your situation. Regards, Tina

[@incognito595]

Don't take ANY NSAID'S(ASPIRIN, IBUPROFEN, ALEVE),THEY WILL BRING YOU RIGHT TO THE EDGE OF UNALIVE.

[@caracampbell4348]

Yes Yes Yes...to everything you said! I too was on Klonopin, (Clonazepam) as prescribed for 20 years. My doctor took me off in a month. She said I would not have any problems. Fast forward 7 months, and I am unemployed due to insomnia every night, which is just now turning around a little. I have what feels like my brain shaking inside my head. I have pulsatile tinnitus, tinnitus, nausea, dizziness, and body sweats and this is just on a good day. I pray you are doing better a year after this was posted. I also pray you know you are valuable to the community and your family. Thank you for sharing your story. You are not alone.

[@lisawagner5172]

I feel like you just told my story. I just turned 50 and I had the exact same thing happened to me. I got off them cold turkey because I just realized that I just couldn't be myself anymore and I was sick for a long time.

[@vwalker1040]

I’m so sorry that this has happened to you…it’s so not right. I am tapering off of Ativan slowly and still have had symptoms all of the way down. I can’t even imagine what you are going through after being tapered so quickly. Hang in there! You might want to talk to Dr. Jennifer Leigh…she has been through a similar experience and has now been off for 11 years. She is a wonderful coach. You will get better.

[@ellaMel4632]

What dose were you taking, if I may ask you and how long? I’m taking 1-1.5 for insomnia , 7 months and reached tol and doesn’t work any more, has strong withdrawals already , did it happen to you , how to handle WD

[@caracampbell4348]

Dr. Jennifer Leigh is a lifesaver. She gave me all the knowledge and advice I needed to do what I could and to avoid things that do not help. She is a great coach through this awful situation.

[@gamingwithkev8208]

I get the extreme weight gain, nausea, dizziness, feeling out of this world. It's hell. my doctors never told me what they were getting me into either

[@newjerseydevil6115]

Are you sure the weight gain isn't Benzo Belly?

[@kristenmarie9248]

So a PA, with no experience in mental health, or in prescribing controlled substances, put your life at risk!!! 😱😔

[@brettwilson7680]

Hang in there. I've been in your shoes.

[@donnabittner69]

That happens all the time...

[@donnabittner69]

I saw my neurologist today. He said he will be retiring soon and will be replaced by a physician assistant. He also said that they will NOT be writing scripts for benzodiazepines. So save what you can!! This was in Philadelphia!

[@victoriahood2602]

Same thing happening to my friend of 60 years. PA in GP practice has her on 2 benzos. She is declining before my eyes in last 3 years. I tried to help her but had to walk away. Even her family has told me to mind my own business. I cry all the time for her. It’s heartbreaking.

[@Humanumikey]

Worst drug I’ve ever had. Accidentally lost a bottle and ended up in the ER and admitted for 10 days. I was yelling at my family (no memory of that), ran around the block David Goggins style, it was surreal!

[@CatherineSkarr4449]

4 years I’m off of that drug from hell. You get there through prayer and support. You can do it. I got two dui’s on that drug. Went to jail 4 times. This was taken by prescription as prescribed… no abuse. I’m sorry you’re going through this.

[@CatherineSkarr4449]

@@Fireball1974 AMAZING I’M COMPLETELY HEALED! Yes you go though a year of really bad recovery but that process can be sped up through prayer. Anything is possible.

[@aashish551]

Catherine can u plz help me. I am 8 months off I ve wiered symptoms plz help.me

[@CatherineSkarr4449]

@@aashish551 How?

[@aashish551]

@@CatherineSkarr4449 how did u get off the symptoms.. I ve neuromuscular symptoms that making me difficult to walk sit n function. Am 10 months off

[@15151515729]

Malpractice! I only started healing after I got off ALL meds. Amanita Mascaria and lithium orotate saved my brain and nervous system

[@rudyferrell]

Have you looked into benfotiamine and ttfd?

[@tinastanley4444]

Patient abandonment. Benzo withdrawal is pure agony. Take care my friend ❤

[@mondrac]

So sorry 😢 Something like this happened to me in August 2019 after 3.5 years on Clonazepam at 3 a day. My family doctor was called away for two weeks and I ran out of this prescription. I didn’t know what would be the side effects. No other doctor wanted to take over her patients. I was forced into cold turkey. About a week after, the physical and mental withdrawal symptoms kicked in and it became the worst experience of my life (I wasn’t young). For the first year, I couldn’t have any conversations. It was like having been given a lobotomy. Today, I’m much better but I still have trouble multitasking or going on trip. Maybe it’s my high anxiety causing this now.

[@brettwilson7680]

Yes, suffered from a benzo induced brain injury as well. I'm still healing. It takes a long time for the brain to rewire itself. I hate big pharma and evil doctors.

[@lauriina85]

Hi, I'm desperate. I have had two years brain not understanding normal things and normal life at all. It started when i was rapidly tapering oxazepam (prescriped) and i got then luckily stabilized with having first time crossovered to valium 10 mg. I was normal me for few weeks. Brain lock went away and i could function normally. But taper was too quick and went badly wrong. Since then one ct, one month, kindling to klonopin and now tapered from total amount of diazepam 60 mg to 8 mg. I can't function with brain lock. I have bad agoraphobia and dr/dp and disconnected from people and enviroment and world. I didn't have those before bad trauma and panic attacks and prescriped a big amount benzo and no warnings. I was social, grateful, confident person in spring 2021. Did you have feeling your brain didn't function normally and understand anything? This is torture. I'm homebound and can't do anything or be with anybody. My mom and partner bring me food. I'm sorry to ask, I ask this a lot because I'm desperate and fear i have a permanent brain damage and cns and GABA damage. All the best.

[@Lyra0966]

What would hapoen if a massive global supply chain disruption meant that hundreds of millions of people were suddenly unable to access any anxiety or depression drugs? All those people going in to withdrawal simultaneously! Stuff of nightmares.

[@hinesmaster99]

Been on it for 5 years & im doing better than I would without it however with you years of experience I'd like to know more.

[@rudyferrell]

Betterment off without it huh? Trust me, there will come a day when you will wish you never saw it.

[@Q1776Q]

Remember...Long term use is anything over 2 weeks.

[@alexspsychedelicchannel2521]

And I’ve been on my benzo for over five years. Shucks

[@Q1776Q]

@@alexspsychedelicchannel2521 I don't really think it matters... I know people that were on a benzo for a few weeks and had years of nonstop hell on earth when they quit...others that quit cold turkey after 20 years and had ZERO symptoms. It is just impossible to say what will happen...everyone is different..and we have no idea why.

[@xy-qy2yg]

​@@Q1776Q genetics, I used the dose for less than two weeks... I'm not even halfway in still in hell

[@Q1776Q]

@@xy-qy2yg I'm sorry to hear that.... I know that Ativan stopped working after I had taken it for about 1 week..I continued taking it for another week, then started slowly tapering..it was nonstop hell on earth for over 2.5 years...but now at 5 years out I am completely healed!!! and you will be healed also!

[@xy-qy2yg]

@@Q1776Q so 7,5 years of sickness for 2 weeks of use, how do you hang on. I haven't slept since August.

[@chanteilord]

Fuerza ❤

[@maureendiem8956]

Brittany Please look up on youtube a Dr Michael Bohan. He is an expert on these benzos. I live in Texas so I c a nt see him. He has a video on KZbin about benzos. He practices in Virginia Beach. Please let me know if you follow thru with this doctor. I was 24 years on xanax and was cold turkeyed 3 years ago. Still suffering. Maureen

[@BzInfoCoalition]

Michael Bohan is an excellent, caring doctor from Virginia, not West Virginia, serving on our medical advisory board. Sadly, he is retired.

[@brettcooper3893]

I took a Xanax as I watched this. I have no choice but to use it.

[@frederikdemoor2018]

Strenght, I quit because of a partner whent through hell, lost everything and noone gets it. My new doctor was dead silent when i told her.We should find a means to connect globally, because my family doesn't understand it and more people are subscribed this awefull drug.

[@sarahedrington5720]

Your story sounds like mine. It’s been a year of this shit. I have two kids. I went cold Turkey off an antidepressant. And they said I was fine. I don’t know how or why I am still here. 100’s of symptoms and health problems. Weight loss, can’t gain weight, hair falling out, gums wearing away, suicidal ideation like never before. My list goes on and on. I got depersonalization and derealzation. What non profit have you used?

[@sarahedrington5720]

Also I was over medicated for a week Seroquel, zoloft, and Wellbutrin. I got serotonin syndrome.

[@debra9040]

😢I’m sorry Sarah After yrs of hell from benzo wd, I’m tapering lexapro. Awful! Just as bad as benzo I needed none of these drugs!! It was all in the name of insomnia. Started with a “benign” sleeping pill Years lost

[@brettwilson7680]

I'm so sorry for the hell you have gone through. Hang in there.

[@themapper22]

How are you now?

[@caracampbell4348]

@@debra9040 my exact same story. Off Klonopin now for 7 months and slowly tapering off Lexapro now using the liquid form of the medication. I have made one cut at 4% so I am at 9.6 ml. It is like mini benzo withdrawal with each change in the discontinuing of Lexapro.

[@josephmoss8680]

On valium since 17 then xanax, tapered off w klonopin 4mg daily .know I'm being tapered off .in 4 months I'm down to a 1/4 mg b.id.! I will continue w this. Can't sleep, anxiety even panic. WHF!

[@wednesdayschild3627]

I had a doctor quit and tell not to come back because I refused tranquilizers.

[@Misfit-from-Zanti]

Klonopin sucks. Vertigo and ear ringing is my biggest issue now after two years cold turkey. They just dropped me. Refused to see me and all this was during COVID-19. 2021 'bout killed me. I keep thinking tomorrow will be better. One day I guess .

[@allencollins6031]

It's the worse.

[@devinramos6317]

It should be criminal to pull someone off their medication that they’ve been on for 20 years. It should be criminal.

[@ChinChek323]

I abused Klonopins what's Klonopins for a couple months drinking alcohol with it I almost died still drink alcohol that prescribed Librium I'm still drinking with it i don't knows what's wrong with me 😟

[@johnmausteller]

Oh my god. I’ve been on Xanax 22 years. This testimony is gold. Malnutrition not a mental condition. Is my guess

[@stackenali7059]

What happened when you knew this was wrong advice and just went to another doc?

[@kellyjofrey4192]

I disagree with your statement that benzo withdrawal is caused by the connection between the gut and brain. I’m not sure of your story or how long you have been off benzodiazepines, but I can attest that my withdrawals were the direct result of not having benzodiazepines in my system.

[@rudyferrell]

It's not what, it's brain and nerve damage

[@allencollins6031]

​@@rudyferrellexactly

[@tinastanley4444]

The gut is our 2nd brain. Take care ❤

[@1summerflower]

Lot of withdraw symptoms are very similar to brain tumors !!!!

[@johncasper8193]

You should go back on a low-dose of Xanax or Klonopin. Will not hurt

[@donnabittner69]

I agree but I don't think she will be able to find a doctor long term ....

[@johncasper8193]

@@donnabittner69 there are doctors that will prescribe low-dose Xanax or Klonopin. it’s opiates that they don’t like to prescribe. Psychiatrist are much more understanding than regular GP doctor..

[@jbwetzstein]

Reinstating is not recommended after the first month off. It most definitely could hurt. This is bad advice.

[@johncasper8193]

@@jbwetzstein in certain situations, it’s the only way when the brain will not normalize. Or when you’ve been on for many years and will not stabilize.

[@cindywilson6119]

I just can't understand why SO many doctors are so ignorant to this when there is so much information on this today. And it's life and death for us!!! And to still write prescriptions for it without the knowledge we know now!!! Most don't even want to here your information you have about these horrible, horrible drugs,!!! I'm so sad and disappointed. And so grateful for these support groups but pray they will one day no longer need to exist 🥲

[@rudyferrell]

They don't care. It's about money and big pharma is behind it. They will NEVER claim responsibility for any wrong doing. Could you imagine the money it would cost them in all of the lawsuits? This "drug" doesn't help people, it destroys their brain and nervous system, along with their whole life.